Show recap #1 : INK + SPIRITBOX + INVISIONS

Hi!

This week’s post is going to be different from what I’ve done so far! This article wasn’t even scheduled 2 weeks ago. (because yeah, I’ve got several posts under my hands 😉)

For this article, the content is straight out of the oven because I’ll summarize the concert of Ice Nine Kills with Spiritbox and Invisions. And when I say it’s recent content, I was at the show yesterday!

So make yourself comfortable since I’m going to give you a brief summary of what happened this Thursday, June 2, 2022.

Attention: I’m not going to criticize (whether it’s about music or anything else), because I’m not ~~yet~~ a music professional (it’s good to have dreams), so I don’t consider myself in my place to judge the choices, or to say whether it’s good or not.
Moreover, it’s not in the spirit of the blog to criticize and say evil, just to belittle. I’m just going to share with you my point of view. You’re free to have your own.

Note:
This post is made in 2022, so the lineups are those of this year. If they are no longer good when you read this, it’s because I haven’t changed them since the day I wrote it.

BANDS INTRODUCTION

Let’s start at the beginning. 3 groups were present:

INVISIONS

It’s a metalcore, post-hardcore English band. So for those who are lost, it’s a metal band 😉. The band is composed of Ben Ville (vocals), Lucas Cabb (guitar), Alex Scott (guitar), and Josh Hardi (drums). It was formed in 2016 in York.

We can count on their influences, or at least in the albums with which they have “grown-up” bands such as: Stand Up and Scream, Reckless Relentless, Killswitch Engage, Bullet For My Valentine, or Issues.

SPIRITBOX

Canadian band combining, among others, metalcore/post-metal/djent/progressive metal and alternative metal. He is composed of the couple Courtney Laplante (vocals), Mike Stringer (guitarist) and Zev Rose (drums).

The group was formed in 2017, following the departure of Courtney and Mike from the Iwrestleabearonce band. They replaced the singer and guitarist respectively.

Their musical influences are very broad, ranging from pop, and RNB to death metal.

INK (Ice Nine Kills)

It’s an American heavy metal/ metalcore/ horror punk band. However, they like to use the terms “theatricore” or “Wizard metal”. This is because of the esoteric atmosphere of their songs. The band is also known to be inspired by horror movies, both their lyrics and their scenography of concerts.

It’s composed of Spencer Charnas (vocals), Ricky Armellino (guitar), Joe Occhiuti (bass), Dan Sugarman (guitar) and Patrick Galante (drums).

The influences of the band are punk, ska, metal, and musicals.

THE SHOW

So, in this point, you’ll know all the anecdotes that happened to me from my arrival at the concert. And I remind you that it is from my own point of view as a spectator that I speak to you, and that it’s my personal opinion.

Also, there will be no videos (because I didn’t make any), nor photos (because I don’t know if I have the right to share them here).

So first, I almost arrived late for the concert because I followed what the internet told me (thank you very much!) and I found myself 30 minutes away from where I had to go. Luckily, with the help of my friends and traffic jams (lol), I arrived just in time, when the first band started their 1st song (YAY!).

First Part

So we start with the performance of InVisions. I must admit that I didn’t know them before this evening (except to draw their caricatures 😉). And I was conquered! Heavy sounds, mixing electronics, saturation/ distortion, and breakdown. Add to this the crazy vocal performances (clean and extreme singing) of the singer and guitarist. I say YES!

Also, I found that regarding stage presence and energy level, they do pretty well! For the moment, I don’t have much to say about this group, as it is a brand-new discovery. However, I recommend that you listen to their work because I think it’s fantastic. I look forward to seeing what they have in store for us afterward!

Second part

Then it’s time for Spiritbox. And I have to say that if I went to this concert, it’s mostly for them (and for INK as well). Since I started listening to the band, it’s simple, not a day goes by without listening to them! Courtney took the lead of the show with a master’s hand.
If I had to define her, I’d say it’s the Beauty and the Beast in one person. Superb “clean” singing where you can hear just the pop and rnb influences of Courtney. And “extreme” singing (which I personally envy) is just incredible.

The rest of the group is not left behind! Everyone did dirty and heavy. Although I confess that Courtney captured most of my attention. (No, I don’t fangirl at all). Of course, you guessed it, I will follow very carefully for the rest of their career. And I invite you to listen to their songs.

Last part

Finally, Ice Nine Kills. I admit I was a little scared for this part. As much as I love INK, I have a problem with horror movies… (yeah, don’t ask me to watch one, or I’ll certainly faint)

And in the end, everything went well. I loved it! Distorted, dirty, and heavy sound accompanied by symphonic arrangements strongly reminiscent of those present in musicals, sick singing techniques, and a scenography very inspired by horror films (but not to the point you might have a heart attack). Just fantastic!

By the way, shout-out to the beautiful pink sequin guitar used during the show. Well, let’s get back to the subject.

I must say that I had already heard people talk about every song of the band as potentially being a part of a musical. Well, after seeing them and hearing them live, I confirm that each song can be a “mini musical” (on horror movies themes) individually. In addition, the participation of extras and the stage expression and gestures of singer Spencer Charnas reinforce the whole. I personally think he would be great in a musical (now I don’t know if he can dance). Anyway, when you mix the influences of two genres that I love (metal and musicals), it’s obvious that I’m a fan of the band.

Also, in relation to the songs, I must say that I made connections with some other musical works. In Stabbing In the Dark, we can hear an “excerpt” from Chordettes’ song Mr Sandman. Plus, the songs Welcome To Horrorwood and Shower Scene reminded me at some point of Panic! At The Disco’s Emperor’s New Clothes.

If you don’t know the band yet, I also invite you to listen to their work.

In short, I loved it, but still don’t ask me to watch a horror movie.

Conclusion

I had a great time with any of the three groups. The atmosphere was great, and I managed to get them the caricatures with the help of an unknown girl. Who, in the heat of the moment, I think I forgot to thank, so I’m doing it right here. (I hope they’ll like it).

Now I wish them the best in the future and hope to see them again. 😊

Also, if you are interested in seeing them in concert, they are touring Europe until June 11 for INK and until June 30 for Spiritbox. As for InVisions, you can find them in various festivals (including Hellfest) this summer. I invite you to look on their respective social networks to know more.

So much for this week’s article. Tell me if you liked it and if you’d love to see more of this kind of content.

As usual, the playlist dedicated to the post is available just below. And don’t hesitate to share a maximum. We’ll meet again next week to continue the discovery of rock music.

Spotify Playlist

If you want to see the complete setlists, here you go (from setlist.fm)